"Familia" -is inspired by a young couple with a new baby that we met when we first moved into Los Algodones. The family and relationships between couples do not seem to be long lived. The need to look for work far from home condemn many children to a fatherless childhood. It was heartbreaking to see a beautiful young family and know what the future likely held for them.
"Psalm 22" As we went about life in Los Algodones I remembered the words of Jesus, "What you have done for the least of these you have done for me" I began to see the face of Jesus in the people and imagined a "Haitian Jesus". It's a shock when you see the suffering that takes place alomgside the idealistic "Holidayers Paradise" That's the reason I placed the Crucifix on the beach.
"TiJose" Spent two days collapsed in a field near the village before he was found and brought to our attention by several children. We gave him some rehydration formula and supplied food while he recovered. "TiJose" means little Jose. (most of the villagers have nicknames) He is a tiny little man with a great smile and bounce in his step now that he has recovered. He tells me he is in his 80's but there are no records so it's hard to know exactly.
"Children of the Batey" I was struck by the incredible character evident in the faces of the children of L.A. and tried to capture it in this series of paintings.
"Yuberky's Abuela" Yuberky is a little ten year old Haitian girl who lives with her family in Los Algodones. She has four sisters and two brothers. Her concern for her siblings and neighbours touched my heart. As the oldest girl in the family she was responcible for all the lttle ones as well as her neighbours. She loved her "Abuela" I saw her in the church and was struck by the incredible beauty and light of her "Faith" the thorns represent the pain of caring for her children and extended family bound together in the village.
